Abstract: Facility layouts and configurations for an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture. In particular implementations the core of the facility comprises a controlled growth environment and a central processing system. The controlled growth environment includes systems for exposing crops housed in modules, such as grow towers, to Controlled environmental conditions. The central processing system may include various stations and functionality both for preparing crop-bearing modules to be inserted in the controlled growth environment, for harvesting crops from the crop-bearing modules after they have been extracted from the controlled growth environment, and for cleaning or washing crop-hearing modules for re-use.

Abstract: An automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that includes a horizontal-to-vertical grow tower interface between a vertical grow structure that includes vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, and a processing system that performs one or more processing operations—such as harvesting, cleaning and/or transplanting—on the grow towers in a substantially horizontal orientation. The present disclosure also describes an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that selectively routes grow towers through various processing stages of an automated crop production system.

Abstract: An irrigation system for a vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled conditions, such as lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a grow tower conveyance system that moves vertically-oriented grow towers to select positions along a grow line. An irrigation line having apertures at the select positions provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers, while a gutter structure captures excess solution. In a closed loop system, the excess solution returns to a recirculation tank. The present disclosure provides a dual pump system for effectively and efficiently removing excess nutrient solution from the gutter structure.

Abstract: A multi-piece hydroponic tower comprised of a tower body defining a tower cavity, where the tower cavity provides a passageway for a water/nutrient mix, and a tower face plate hingeably coupled to the tower body. The tower face plate is positionable relative to the tower body in a tower cavity closed position and a tower cavity open position. The tower face plate includes a plurality of plant container cut-outs configured to accept plant containers. A fastener temporarily latches tower face plate to the tower body when the tower face plate is in the tower cavity closed position.

Abstract: Facility layouts and configurations for an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture. In particular implementations, the core of the facility comprises a controlled growth environment and a central processing system. The controlled growth environment includes systems for exposing crops housed in modules, such as grow towers, to controlled environmental conditions. The central processing system may include various stations and functionality both for preparing crop-bearing modules to be inserted in the controlled growth environment for harvesting crops from the crop-bearing modules after they have been extracted from the controlled growth environment, and for cleaning or washing crop-hearing modules for re-use.

Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.

Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.

Abstract: A tower catch mechanism that facilitates loading of vertical grow towers in a vertical farming structure having associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled conditions, such as lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a load conveyance mechanism that transfers grow towers to a loading position where grow towers are loaded onto a select grow line. Each grow line may include a grow tower conveyance system that moves vertically-oriented grow towers to select positions along a grow line. The system may include a tower catch mechanism that registers grow towers in position at the loading position for insertion into a select grow line. In some implementations, the tower catch mechanism can be integrated into other structures of the vertical farming system, such as a gutter basin corresponding to a select grow line.

Abstract: Harvesting systems for an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that includes vertical grow towers or other grow structures. Some implementations of the invention include a two-stage grouping mechanism that increases the amount of plants or crops harvested from a grow tower. Some implementations of the invention allow for harvesting of grow towers having grow sites on opposing faces.

Abstract: Facility layouts and configurations for an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture. In particular implementations, the core of the facility comprises a controlled growth environment and a central processing system. The controlled growth environment includes systems for exposing crops housed in modules, such as grow towers, to controlled environmental conditions. The central processing system may include various stations and functionality both for preparing crop-bearing modules to he inserted in the controlled growth environment for harvesting crops from the crop-bearing modules after they have been extracted from the controlled growth environment, and for cleaning or washing crop-hearing modules for re-use.

Abstract: An automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that includes a horizontal-to-vertical grow tower interface between a vertical grow structure that includes vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, and a processing system that performs one or more processing operations—such as harvesting, cleaning and/or transplanting—on the grow towers in a substantially horizontal orientation. The present disclosure also describes an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that selectively routes grow towers through various processing stages of an automated crop production system.

Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.

Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.

Abstract: A plant plug holding unit is provided, the plant plug holding unit including at least one plant plug holder. The plant plug holding unit, which is configured to be inserted into a cut-out in a hydroponic tower face plate, includes an edge member that encircles the unit and is sealed to the rear surface of the front tower face. Each individual plant plug holder of the plant plug holding unit includes (i) a base member configured to support a plant plug and which extends rearward from the edge member and into the hydroponic tower cavity; (ii) a top shroud member that inhibits leakage as well as plug erosion; (iii) a pair of side members that maintain the position of the plant plug within the plug holder; and (iv) a plurality of open regions configured to promote water drainage from the plant plug.

Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.

Abstract: A hydroponic tower including a cavity defining a front tower surface and a rear inside surface, and further comprising a plant plug holder inserted within a cut-out defined in the front tower surface. The plant plug holder includes an edge member that encircles the holder's opening and which may be sealed to the front tower surface, and a base member configured to support a plant plug and which extends rearward from the edge member and into the cavity of the tower. The plug holder further includes a rear shroud top member and a pair of side members that maintain the position of the plant plug within the plug, holder such that the plant plug contacts the rear inside surface of the cavity when inserted into the plug holder.

Abstract: An irrigation system for a vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled conditions, such as lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a grow tower conveyance system that moves vertically-oriented grow towers to select positions along a grow line. An irrigation line having apertures at the select positions provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers, while a gutter structure captures excess solution. In a closed loop system, the excess solution returns to a recirculation tank. The present disclosure provides a dual pump system for effectively and efficiently removing excess nutrient solution from the gutter structure.

Abstract: A tower catch mechanism that facilitates loading of vertical grow towers in a vertical farming structure having associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled conditions, such as lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a load conveyance mechanism that transfers grow towers to a loading position where grow towers are loaded onto a select grow line. Each grow line may include a grow tower conveyance system that moves vertically-oriented grow towers to select positions along a grow line. The system may include a tower catch mechanism that registers grow towers in position at the loading position for insertion into a select grow line. In some implementations, the tower catch mechanism can be integrated into other structures of the vertical farming system, such as a gutter basin corresponding to a select grow line.

Abstract: A multi-piece hydroponic tower is provided which utilizes separate tower body and face plate components that are hingeably coupled together, thereby simplifying tower construction as well as tower maintenance. In addition to the hinge, the tower face plate(s) is held in place with a latch, e.g., a snap-fit fastener. A V-shaped groove may be included on either side of the tower, the grooves increasing the efficiency of delivering water and nutrients to the plants via the narrowed rear cavity wall(s). The V-shaped grooves may also be used as an alignment aid when coupling planters, harvesters, or other equipment to the tower.

Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.